Heritage Center

Welcome to The Royal Presidio Chapel, a National Historic Landmark, and the oldest building (1794) in Monterey.  A church has functioned continuously on this site since 1770 when King Carlos III of Spain sent the Portola Expedition to Monterey to establish a presidio (fort) that would become the capital of Spanish California.  Father Junipero Serra, who accompanied the expedition, founded the first church on this site.  In 1967, The Royal Presidio Chapel became San Carlos Cathedral, the second time in its long history that the Chapel has also been a cathedral. 

The Royal Presidio Chapel Heritage Center, located next to the church, contains architectural drawings and photographs, as well as memorabilia recalling earlier eras.

Heritage Center Hours:
Friday: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
and 1:15 pm to 3:15 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
2nd and 4th Tuesday:
1:15 pm to 3:15 pm

The Royal Presidio Chapel is closed for approximately one year while conservation efforts are ongoing. The Heritage Center will remain open on a normal schedule during this time. Four of the most historic statues from the Royal Presidio Chapel are now on display in the Center. They are Mary as the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Sorrow (The Mater Dolorosa), St. Joseph with the Child Jesus and St. Anthony and the Child Jesus.